Why Cruise Alaska?
Alaska is best experienced by sea. The Inside Passage — the 1,000-mile waterway stretching from Washington State to the Alaska Panhandle — is only fully accessible by boat. From the water, you’ll witness glacier calving up close, spot humpback whales breaching just yards from the ship, and glide through fjords that make you feel genuinely small in the best possible way.
Glacier Bay: The Undisputed Highlight
‘Standing on the deck as we glided into Glacier Bay National Park, I understood for the first time why people say Alaska changes you.’
Glacier Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most pristine wilderness areas on earth. Your ship will slow almost to a stop as you navigate between walls of ancient blue ice. Rangers from the National Park Service come aboard to narrate the history and ecology as you drift past Margerie Glacier.
What to Do in Port
Juneau has the Mendenhall Glacier right in town. Skagway is a perfectly preserved gold rush town with the famous White Pass Railway. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world and home to the largest collection of standing totem poles. Book excursions in advance — whale watching, floatplane tours, and helicopter glacier hikes fill up fast in peak season.
Choosing the Right Cruise Line
Not all Alaska sailings are equal. Smaller ships can access ports and waterways that larger vessels can’t. Princess Cruises has been sailing Alaska longer than any other line. Holland America is another excellent choice. As your travel advisor, I’ll help you match the right ship to your travel style and budget.